Allergy Center

Allergy is a term used to describe an abnormal response of the immune system when exposed to a certain substance; this substance is called an allergen. Some examples of allergens are dust mites, animal dander, molds, pollens, and foods. Two out of every 10 Americans are plagued by allergies in some form. When the body is exposed to an allergen, this allergen binds to our allergy antibody, called IgE, to form an antigen-IgE complex. These antibodies then attach to a special subset of blood cells called mast cells. This binding of mast cells causes a cascade of chemicals to be released into the body; namely histamine, leukotrienes, and eosinophils. This release of chemicals results in our allergy symptoms.

Allergies can manifest in many ways, such as the symptoms mentioned earlier, and can negatively affect the quality of your life, and performance at school and/or work. Allergies can also result in other medical problems, such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, otitis media, eczema, and asthma.

If you have allergy symptoms, the doctors at Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros ENT Associates can properly diagnose problems with allergies Whether it is inhalants or foods and/or stinging insects, you can be tested for the type of allergies you have, and also the extent and severity of them. Testing can be done either as a blood test, or by skin testing. If you are indeed allergic, treatment with one or more medicines can help you; examples of medicines are nasal steroid sprays, nasal antihistamine sprays, oral antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, oral steroids, topical eye drops, topical creams, and inhalers.

When To See An Allergist

Allergies can often interfere with our everyday activities, affect our quality of life, and can even be life threatening.Ordinary substances such as dust, molds, pets, foods, plant pollens, and insect stings are among the most common. The onset of allergies may occur at any age, although they usually begin in childhood. Often the symptoms develop gradually and are varied.